Should I spend 3, 4, or 5 days in Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park?

Should you spend 3, 4, or 5 days in Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park?

Many travelers spend two to four days in Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park during their visit. After all, the iconic national park has plenty to explore such as the hiking, the gorgeous scenery, and the famous sights and museums.

Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is the most visited national park in Japan. It is home to the world famous Mount Fuji, but there are three other areas to this vast park. The four main sections include the Mount Fuji area, Hakone, the Izu Peninsula, and the Izu Islands.

Do you have 3, 4, or 5 days to visit Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park? Here's our comprehensive breakdown of how much time you might need for your trip along with some suggestions for things to do.

Is 3 days enough time in Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park?

Many visitors choose to spend around three days in the area. This would give you just the right amount of time to take in the natural scenery and enjoy the hiking, the gorgeous scenery, and the famous sights and museums. Since many visitors prefer to spend around two to four days here, we have a few suggestions of things to do in the iconic national park.

How to spend 3 days in Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park

When visiting Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park, you can't miss Mount Fuji as it's one of the most famous places in the world. Make sure you give yourself enough time to enjoy it.

Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is known to be such a beautiful destination, so just exploring and taking it all in should be one of the top things to do on your list. The national park is home to the world renowned Mount Fuji. This volcanic peak provides a striking backdrop for the region and has long been a spiritual retreat. Within the park you'll find pristine forest, dramatic lava caves, and timeless beauty.

Public transit in Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is easy and efficient. In just a few days, you should be able to get around the national park quite easily. There are train and bus systems within the park that connect the different sections. In the Mount Fuji area, buses leave from the Kawaguchiko and Fujisan Stations. Transportation may take longer than you expect, so it's best to plan accordingly.

Known for it's hiking, Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park sees plenty of visitors looking to get outdoors. Spend a day exploring the natural beauty and scenery on a nearby hike. There are hikes within each of the sections of Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park, but the most famous section is the area around the iconic Mount Fuji. The climbing season is between July and mid September and there are four main trails that lead to the summit. You can take a bus to the Fifth Station and pick up any of the trails at that point. There are also mountain huts where you may take a rest or spend the night. In the Hakone area, you'll find hot springs and several popular trails such as the Hakone Ropeway and the Mount Kamiyama and Mount Komagatake Trail. The Izu Peninsula is known for its dramatic coastline, rugged cliffs, and beautiful waterfalls. Finally, the Izu Islands are a string of islands that can be reached by ferry.

Plenty of amazing museums and famous landmarks make Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park a special place to visit. Spend at least one full day visiting the sights that are appealing to you. Due to its spiritual nature, there have been many shrines built at the base of Mount Fuji. You can visit the Fujisan Hongu Sengen Taisha, which is one of the most significant. Hakone also has many art museums as well as the fascinating Hakone Open-Air Museum.

A few tour suggestions include:

Hakone Onsen Experience, Lake Ashi, Open-Air Museum Tour ($234)

Is 4 days enough time in Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park?

Four days is more than enough time to see everything in the area. Many visitors prefer to spend two to four days here, so you'll be able to get out into nature, take in the beautiful scenery, and wander through the museums at your own pace. We have a few suggestions of things to do while you're visiting, and then take a day trip if you're looking to explore further around the region.

Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park, Japan (©MOEJ)

How to spend 4 days in Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park

With 4 days in Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park, you'll have a bit more time to enjoy everything that the national park has to offer.

After you've explored most of Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park, take a day trip to one of the many beautiful destinations nearby.

Is 5 days enough time in Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park?

Five days is more than enough time to see pretty much everything here. You can move at your own pace spend extra time enjoying the hiking, the gorgeous scenery, and the famous sights and museums. You could also use the area as a base for exploring other nearby destinations. You'll find some great day trips in the region, too.

How to spend 5 days in Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park

If you have more than 5 days in Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park, you'll appreciate the added time for everything the national park has to offer.

With plenty of hiking trails and viewpoints around Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park, you'll need another day to experience the gorgeous hiking trails that you haven't seen yet. Either head out in a different direction, or pick up where you left off before.

More Info

If you're looking for more information about Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park, we have even more advice to help you plan your journey.